Appendix 3: Listening Deeply Protocol
Listening Deeply Protocol for Lessons 2-5
For Lessons 2-5, you will use the following format. Each lesson will have specific introductions and prompts.
[2 minutes] Place students in pairs. For this activity, do not allow students to self-select their pairs. During each lesson, we recommend students are paired with new partners who they don’t know very well. Say, “Today we are going to grow as listeners by talking with our classmates about [topic]!”
MCC Tip: When grouping, you can have students arrange themselves in a line by birthdate. Have students whose birthdays are closest pair up for the first activity, then pair those whose birthdays are furthest from one another, and finally, pair those with odd numbers, and so on. Pick your own prompts, ask your class for suggestions on what prompts they want to hear about from their classmates, or use the list in Appendix 2. Get creative and have fun!
[1-2 minutes] Once students are in pairs, tell them that the first speaker has 1.5-2 minutes to talk, with no contributions from their partner except practicing the listening skills they learned. For the listening partners, you’ll remind them of the three listening skills, and remind them to “think and feel and listen for the nuances in their partner’s responses.” Keep track of time for the class and instruct students when it is time to move on. Circulate throughout to hear student discussions.
[1-2 minutes] Once the time is up, the listening partner has 1.5-2 minutes to engage in brief conversation. Don’t tell them “to express empathy,” but do remind them that the listener can reflect on what’s been said by paraphrasing (e.g., So what I heard was...”), asking thoughtful clarification questions (e.g., “what did you mean when you said…?”), and acknowledging others’ feelings. Concrete examples are often most helpful.
[3-4 minutes] Then, it will be the listener’s turn to speak for 1.5-2 minutes without interruption, followed by conversation with their partner. Throughout, be sure to encourage students to use the three listening skills.
Content developed by Making Caring Common, a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
